STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, delivered a compelling address at the “ET Telecom 5G Congress,” underscoring India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and technology innovation. He highlighted the transformative strides made over the past decade under the Digital India initiative, which has positioned the country as a global leader in technology-driven governance.
Dr. Singh lauded India’s pioneering efforts in building a robust digital public infrastructure, citing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme as a revolutionary step that ensured seamless financial inclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The DBT scheme became the litmus test of digital transformation, empowering millions with efficiency and transparency,” he remarked.
The Minister also highlighted the Swamitva scheme, which leverages digital mapping for land ownership. With 70% of villages already mapped, the initiative has reduced citizens’ reliance on traditional revenue systems, embodying the essence of citizen-centric governance.
India’s emergence as a global technological powerhouse was a focal point of the address. Dr. Singh pointed to the country’s remarkable ascent in the Global Innovation Index, rising from 81st to 39th position, and its rank as the sixth-largest nation in patent filings, with 56% of patents coming from resident Indians. “This shift reflects India’s growing innovation ecosystem and its ability to retain talent that previously sought recognition abroad,” he stated.
Dr. Singh also emphasized government initiatives fostering innovation, including a viability fund for space startups, the National Research Foundation, and the opening of the nuclear sector to private players. He highlighted recent landmark policies, such as the allocation of ?10,000 crore for space startups within 100 days of Modi 3.0 and the launch of BioE3, a biotechnology policy aimed at sustainability and growth.
Championing gender equity in STEM, Dr. Singh celebrated women’s leadership in critical missions, including India’s Aditya-L1 solar mission.
Concluding, he praised India’s thriving startup ecosystem and global recognition of Indian professionals, stating, “India is no longer a participant but a leader in the global digital revolution.” Dr. Singh’s remarks solidify India’s role as a trailblazer in technology-driven, inclusive growth.
